Playing Around

Isn't it fun playing around with camera equipment?  And especially fun when you get a new toy.  I recently invested in a new 70-200mm lens that I am loving and I also upgraded my very old Speedlight, so it will actually talk to my D700.  I haven't done this sooner because frankly, I prefer natural light or full-on studio strobes ... but I may be a convert.

Since the only "willing" subjects I have ready access to are the dogs, they are my models.  Not a bad thing, they are pretty cute!

Here are some of the photos ... yes, I know, they are not the greatest images, I was more fiddling with equipment, just seeing what things can do.  But thought I would share.

Trace on the Stairs I - No flash, taken at 195 mm; 1/30 at f2.8 ISO 450

Trace and the Flash - off camera flash, taken at 135 mm, 1/60 at f2.8, ISO 200

Logan - flash on hot shoe, taken at 175 mm, 1/60 at f2.8, ISO 200

Trace w/ Window Backlight - flash on hot shoe, taken at 200 mm, 1/60 at f2.8, ISO 200

This next series were taken in a dark room, with just a slight ambient light from the window in the bathroom ... my iPhone could not pick up anything ... ran and got the camera and used the flash set super low and bouncing of the ceiling.

Comfy Trace II - flash on hot shoe, taken at 122 mm, 1/60 at f2.8, ISO 200

Comfy Trace IV - flash on hot shoe, taken at 122 mm, 1/60 at f2.8, ISO 200

If you are photo nerd like me and want to talk tech, I am game!

Framers

As many of you may know, I am an advocate for patronizing local, independent small businesses.  They are the backbone of this country and I have been a fan of the 3/50 Project for quite awhile.

As a result, I wanted to share with you my favorite framers. In Gaithersburg ... Kathy's Gallery and Frames.  Kathy Wu is fantastic ... her work is great and she is a pleasure to work with.  She will give you her thoughts on design, but leaves decisions to you.  She is one heck of a mat cutter, we are always amazed.  She is not inexpensive, but if you are looking for quality and value, she is an excellent choice.  Ring her doorbell, she is there to help.

At Lake of the Ozarks, my favorite framer is Artpho.  I love working with the Stranges and their staff.  They are also really helpful in making selections that work perfectly with my photography and the results are excellent.  They are so patient as we go through the many shades of white (ha, ha)!  Great work, great people, I have never been disappointed.

Do you have some favorite small businesses?  Be sure to give them some love by sharing.

Sunday at the Park

This afternoon, one of my photography students and I spent the afternoon at Great Falls on the Potomac River.  It was a gorgeous day and we had a lovely time taking images.  A few for your perusal ...

Looking at Virginia

Dancing Waters

Reflections I

Artist Markets in Osage Beach

Artist Markets: If there is enough interest, Palisades Village would like to sponsor a set of Artist Markets again this year, leading up to the holidays.

Tumblr

I am trying out Tumblr ... if you are interested, you can find some of my posts there ...

Joy of Art Forever: Partners in art and petting

I have really been enjoying getting back to painting some ... and the camaraderie with a fellow artist and friend.

Joy of Art Forever: Partners in art and petting: Now this is the close up photo I was looking for! Miss Lucy earns her keep, huh? And gets petted at the same time.

Ruby Slippers

My artist friend had these little ruby slippers in her studio ... they are so stinkin' cute, I had to take a photo of them.  I may try doing a colored pencil or pastel drawing of them, too ...